Baclofen Dosage, Side Effects, Uses, & Interactions

Baclofen is a prescription medication that can be purchased from pharmacies as the brand name drug Lioresal. It is often used to decrease pain and stiffness that results from multiple sclerosis. In this short article, we discuss the brand names, uses, dosage, side effects, warnings and interactions of baclofen.

Baclofen Dosage

The dosage of baclofen will be different for each patient. Follow your doctor's orders and any directions on the medication package. The following information only includes the average recommended dosage. If your doctor recommends you take a different dosage, listen to your doctor and not these recommendations. Your dosage of baclofen may vary depending on multiple factors, including the following:

- Your age

- Your weight

- Your condition

Dosage For Muscle Relaxation (Oral Granule)

Adult: At first, take 5mg 3 times a day for 3 days. Dosage may increase by 5mg per day as tolerated. Dosage should not exceed 80mg per day.

Dosage For Muscle Relaxation (Oral Solution)

Adult: At first, take 5mg 3 times ad ay for 3 days. Dosage may increase by 5mL per day as tolerated. Dosage should not exceed 80mg per day.

Dosage For Muscle Relaxation (Oral Tablet)

Adult: At first, take 5mg 3 times a day for 3 days. Dosage may increase by 5mg per day as tolerated. Dosage should not exceed 80mg per day.

Baclofen Dosage For Back Pain

Adult: At first, take 5mg 3 times a day for 3 days. Dosage may increase by 5mg per day as tolerated. Dosage should not exceed 80mg per day.

Baclofen Side Effects

Baclofen does come with some associated side effects. Some of these side effects are more serious and less common than others.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of baclofen include the following:

- Drowsiness

- Dizziness

- Sleep problems

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Urinating more than usual

If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

Some side effects of baclofen are serious and may require medical attention. If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor or immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.

- Chest pain

- Blood in urine

- Pounding heartbeat

- Ringing in the ears

- Fainting

- Clumsiness or unsteadiness

- Skin rash or itching

- Unexplained muscle stiffness

- Unusual excitement

- Slurred speech

- Swelling of the ankles

- Trouble breathing

- Unusual weakness

- Loss of strength or energy

Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

About Baclofen

Baclofen is a prescription medication used to treat pain and stiffness caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and spinal cord disease. It belongs to a class of medications known as skeletal muscle relaxants.

Is Baclofen Addictive?

Some people may experience a sense of well-being and calm when taking baclofen. In some cases, this can contribute to a dangerous addiction to baclofen. Signs of baclofen abuse may include taking higher doses than prescribed, using it with other depressants to increase its effects, or using it without a prescription.

Dependence and addiction can occur as a result of long-term baclofen abuse or misuse. Symptoms of baclofen withdrawal are the most common indicators of drug abuse, as they normally occur in people who have developed a tolerance for and dependence on the drug.

Withdrawals from baclofen can occur both in people who use the drug as for long periods and in people who misuse the drug to get high.

Baclofen Brand Names

The brand names of baclofen include Lioresal. It is also available as a generic drug for purchase.

What Is Baclofen Used For?

The uses of baclofen include the treatment of spasms, cramping, and tightness in muscles caused by multiple medical conditions including spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.

How Does Baclofen Work?

Baclofen takes effect on the spinal cord to decrease the number and severity of muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis and other conditions. Although its exact mechanism of action is not known, it is believed that baclofen works by reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the pre-synaptic and synaptic neurons. In doing so, it inhibits excessive neural activity that contributes to muscle spasms.

Can You Take Baclofen As Needed?

You should always take baclofen as directed by a licensed medical professional. Baclofen comes as a tablet and oral solution, both of which should be taken by mouth. Most people should take baclofen 3 times a day in equal doses at specific intervals.

Take baclofen by mouth with food or liquid. To reduce the risk for negative side effects, your doctor may recommend you start taking a small dose, and then increase dosage later.

If you are using the liquid form of baclofen, be sure to carefully measure the correct dosage using a spoon or other measuring device. Do not use a household spoon because it may not be able to accurately measure dosage.

If you take the granule form of this drug, be sure to gently shake the packet before opening. Open the packet and empty its entire contents into your mouth before swallowing. You can also mix the contents of each pack with 1 tablespoon of soft food or liquid. Take all the mixture within 2 hours of opening the pack.

Baclofen Warnings

Do not suddenly stop taking baclofen without first talking to your doctor. Certain patients may need to slowly decrease dosage rather than immediately quitting.

Baclofen Antidepressant Warning

This medication may add to the effects of alcohol and certain antidepressant drugs. Some examples of these medications include antihistamines, sleeping medicine, prescription pain killers, seizure medications, narcotics, anesthetics, or muscle relaxants.

Dizziness Warning

Baclofen can cause dizziness, drowsiness, vision problems or unsteadiness in some people. Do not take baclofen immediately before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Baclofen Blood Sugar Warning

This medication may influence and decrease blood sugar levels. Significantly low blood sugar can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea and fainting. Talk to your doctor before taking baclofen if you have low blood sugar.

Pregnancy Warning

Taking baclofen while you are pregnant may cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Talk to your doctor right away if your baby experiences tremors, seizures, or a significant increase in muscle tone.

Interactions Of Baclofen

Do not take baclofen if you are currently taking any other medications known to cause drowsiness such as opioids, painkillers, cough relievers, marijuana, drugs for sleep and anxiety, or antihistamines.

Baclofen has been found to cause serious side effects when taken in conjunction with the following medications, among others:

- Alprazolam

- Bromazepam

- Buproprion

- Butophanol

- Cetrizine

- Clobazam

- Codeine

- Daridorexant

- Donepezil

- Fentanyl

- Tapentadol

Baclofen Withdrawal

You may be more likely to go through baclofen withdrawals if they’ve been using it for several months. Withdrawal can also occur in those who use a low or high dose, as symptoms mostly depend on the length of time the person has been using the medication.